Probate in District of Columbia · 1 counties

District of Columbia Probate Courts

Estates here go through the Superior Court of the District of Columbia (Probate Division). Pick a county on the map or search below — each record shows where to file and where every detail comes from.

Small-estate limit

$40,000

Wait 30 days

Death taxes

Yes

Estate tax over $4.99 million

Executor fee

Reasonable

Reasonable fee set by the court

Handwritten wills

Witnesses required

Plate · DC

Every District of Columbia county, on one map

Population, low → high courthouse probate office checked

§ I

District of Columbia probate rules

Court: Superior Court of the District of Columbia (Probate Division)In Washington DC, the Probate Division of the DC Superior Court and the Office of the Register of Wills handle all probate, small estates, foreign estates, and trust filings.
Small estates: $40,000 gross personal propertyD.C. Code § 20-351 et seq. (Small Estate Administration)
Filing the will: Custodian must file will with Register of Wills within 90 days after death (D.C. Code § 18-111)
Creditor claims: 6 months after date of first publication of notice of appointmentD.C. Code § 20-903
Executor fees: Reasonable compensation determined by the Court considering time, complexity, and estate results (D.C. Code § 20-751)D.C. Code § 20-751 · calculator
Estate tax: Yes — exemption $4.99 millionDC estate tax applies to estates of $4,988,400 or more for 2026 decedents ($4,873,200 in 2025); indexed annually; rates 11.2% to 16%.
Inheritance tax: NoneNo inheritance tax in DC.
Typical duration: 9 to 15 months
Official courts site: dccourts.govCase search: DC Courts Online Case Search (eAccess)

Re-checked Sept 2026 against: otr.cfo.dc.gov

Need help with an estate in District of Columbia?

Where to get help.

We don't sell leads or take referral fees. Eligibility, availability and fees depend on the provider; confirm them directly.

§ II · Register

All 1 counties

Sorted by population. office checked = probate office address/phone confirmed on the court's own website. courthouse mapped = located in OpenStreetMap.

#	County	Seat	Population	Record
1	District of Columbia	Washington	678,972	office checked

§ III

District of Columbia probate questions

What is the small estate affidavit limit in District of Columbia?

$40,000 gross personal property (D.C. Code § 20-351 et seq. (Small Estate Administration)). It can be used 30 days after death. Petition for Small Estate Administration filed with Register of Wills. Court oversees simplified distribution order.

How are executor and administrator fees calculated in District of Columbia?

Reasonable compensation determined by the Court considering time, complexity, and estate results (D.C. Code § 20-751) (D.C. Code § 20-751). Courts can award more for extraordinary services, such as running a business or litigation.

What is the creditor claim deadline for estates in District of Columbia?

6 months after date of first publication of notice of appointment (D.C. Code § 20-903). Claims filed after the deadline are generally barred.

Does District of Columbia recognize handwritten (holographic) wills?

No — witnesses are required. DC does NOT recognize unwitnessed holographic wills; must be signed in presence of two witnesses.

Does District of Columbia have a state estate tax or inheritance tax?

Yes, District of Columbia taxes estates above $4.99 million. DC estate tax applies to estates of $4,988,400 or more for 2026 decedents ($4,873,200 in 2025); indexed annually; rates 11.2% to 16%. There is no inheritance tax.